Cleveland’s use of Flock Safety automatic license-plate reader cameras remains under scrutiny as residents, public officials and privacy advocates debate how the technology should be used.
The city operates about 100 Flock cameras. The devices automatically capture license plates and other vehicle information as cars pass camera locations. Police can search the system when investigating crimes or trying to locate vehicles.
Cleveland City Council considered the program extensively during the summer. A council committee ultimately supported a six-month extension at a cost of $125,000 after an earlier proposal called for a one-year agreement costing $250,000.
The revised agreement added restrictions intended to address privacy concerns. Cleveland officials said access to the city’s data would be limited and the city would no longer participate in the nationwide Flock network that allows participating law enforcement agencies to search data from other jurisdictions.
Opponents have continued to raise concerns about surveillance, data sharing and previous immigration-related searches involving Cleveland’s Flock information. Supporters, including public safety officials, have pointed to criminal cases in which license-plate reader information helped investigators.
The issue is part of a broader debate taking place in communities across Ohio. Cities are adopting different policies for automatic license-plate readers, including limits on data sharing, retention and who may perform searches.
Cleveland’s legislation authorized the city to maintain the Flock system while officials evaluate the program and possible alternatives.
The cameras have been used in Cleveland since 2023. Public safety officials have said their review showed an increase in the solve rate for crimes after the automatic license-plate reader system was introduced.
The continuing discussion centers on the rules governing the technology as Cleveland balances police access to vehicle information with limits designed to protect residents’ privacy.
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